As <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/04/05/new-synchrophasors-are-the-key-to-a-smarter-more-stable-energy-grid/" target="_blank">transmission grids</a> around the globe prepare for overhauls and upgrades to accommodate more renewable energy power sources, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2009/10/23/icelandic-prefabricated-home-to-remember-summer-days-by/" target="_blank">Iceland</a> has already taken a look at how to better the design of their high-voltage transmission pylons. This incredible "Land of Giants" proposal by Boston firm <a href="http://www.choishine.com/port_projects/landsnet/landsnet.html" target="_blank">Choi + Shine Architects</a> transforms mundane electrical pylons into towering statues -- gods of power and electricity that hold up high-voltage transmission lines as they cross the Icelandic landscape.

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Land of Giants

The impressive figures would take the place of the traditional steel-frame transmission pylons used throughout the world, transforming them from mundane industrial towers into superhuman figures.

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The figures would all be constructed using the same materials and processes used to create standard towers, so the transformation would be relatively inexpensive.

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Land of Giants

The figures could be built into different positions based on the altering landscape, structural requirements, or even to provide variety along a long span of transmission lines.

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Land of Giants

The imposing figures would elevate the importance of the transmission lines and grid by transforming mundane pylons into works of art.

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Small changes in the position of the head, legs, hands would give each figure its own identity. Each pylon-figure is made from the same major assembled parts (torso, fore arm, upper leg, hand etc.) and uses a library of pre-assembled joints between these parts to create the pylon-figures’ appearance.

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Choi + Shine Architects have won both an Honorable Mention in the Icelandic Transmission Pylon International Design Competition and an award from the Boston Society of Architects in the 2010 Unbuilt Category.

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Land of Giants

As transmission grids around the globe prepare for overhauls and upgrades to accommodate more renewable energy power sources, Iceland has already taken a look at how to better the design of their high-voltage transmission pylons. This incredible "Land of Giants" proposal by Boston firm Choi + Shine Architects transforms mundane electrical pylons into towering statues -- gods of power and electricity that hold up high-voltage transmission lines as they cross the Icelandic landscape.